Kamloops is mourning the loss of a local giant today.
Gordon Gore, founder of the Big Little Science Centre and longtime science teacher in Kamloops, passed away yesterday at the age of 82. Gore would’ve been 83 next Monday.
Born in Toronto and raised in Quebec, Gore attended McGill University and received a Bachelor of Science and later a Masters of Education in Science at UBC. He taught science at several high schools in the Lower Mainland before teaching at Kamloops Secondary, Westsyde Secondary and Norkam Secondary.
He retired from teaching in public schools in 1990 but still taught science at the University College of the Cariboo – now called Thompson Rivers University. He founded the Big Little Science Centre Society in 2000, starting it out of a single room at David Thompson Elementary.
The centre’s Executive director, Gord Stewart, says Gore started it two decades ago in the back of his pickup truck. The non-profit continues to operate today.
“He had the passion for teaching science. He thought science was doing it, not reading about it. So his big passion was to get it out to people. So he started by driving around with his pickup and doing shows for schools, and that’s kind of how the science centre came about. It eventually got into a school, one room and then two, and then three and then four as he grew it,” Stewart says.
“His passion for the hands-on science was just infectious, and he just loved to build and show people how to do it, how it works, and see people have that lifelong learning and curiosity.”
Gore spent his finals years living at The Hamlets in Westsyde. After making a career through science, he had become known locally for his photography in his later years, often capturing stunning shots at The Dunes Golf Course and combining two of his most prominent interests – golf and photography.
Owner of The Dunes Bill Bilton Jr., says Gore’s presence will be missed.
“Gordon was one of the most caring, quintessential human beings you could ever have known. He just had such a love for people, for nature and everything positive. You just can’t say enough about the person he was,” Bilton says.
“My dad [Bill Bilton Sr.] was happy to let Gordon come down and help himself to a golf cart and head out early, early morning or late evening and take pictures of the wildlife. And so through that I got to know Gordon.”
Gore has been recognized with several prestigious awards over the years including the Order of B.C. and the B.C. Teacher of the Year award.
In light of Gore’s wish not to hold a funeral, the Big Little Science Centre will organize a remembrance event at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Gore asked donations be made to the Big Little Science Centre.
